Aston Villa rally for a 1-1 draw with Leeds United

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Nathan Baker of Aston Villa passes the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on December 29, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Nathan Baker of Aston Villa passes the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on December 29, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images) /
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Steve Bruce’s men recovered from a 1-0 deficit to finish honors even at Villa Park. Jonathan Kodjia’s 85th minute penalty saved Aston Villa from defeat.

Thursday evening’s match saw a fiery start from Aston Villa. Jonathan Kodjia nearly finished before sixty seconds off a bad Leeds United turnover – one of many from the club who were sloppy throughout the match.

On the five minute mark, Robert Green dove left to keep out another Kodjia strike. Both clubs conceded to a 0-0 scoreline at the break. Jack Grealish suffered a dead leg late in the first half and had to be subbed off for Ross McCormack on the 47th minute.

Leeds central defender Pontus Jansson opened the scoring, forcing Aston Villa to chase the match. A double substitution, bringing on Rudy Gestede and Albert Adomah, sparked a ferocious comeback ten minutes from the finish.

Finally, Villa were awarded for a ridiculous Liam Cooper handball in the box. Kodjia buried it, the woodwork saved Villa, Rob Green saved Leeds, and the rest is history.

Some good news for Monday’s trip to Cardiff, Wales:

ASTON VILLA PLAYER GRADES:

GK Mark Bunn 4

Oof. Awful positioning and fumbled the ball on Jansson’s opener.

RB Alan Hutton 5.5

Only completed 66% of his passes complete with some of the worst crosses I’ve ever seen in my life. However, still managed to get into good positions and worked tirelessly on the flank.

RCB James Chester 5.5

Picked up a late yellow. Pretty decent match all around from Chester.

LCB Nathan Baker 5.5

Seemed a bit uncomfortable dealing with dangerous situations. Had to deal with a few last ditch efforts.

LB Jordan Amavi 5.5

Left out of position on several occasions when he forayed into the attack.

CDM Mile Jedinak 5

Struggled when asked to play in a flat midfield two. Doesn’t have the legs for it anymore.

CM Ashley Westwood 6

Unpopular opinion: Ashley Westwood has a pretty nice match yesterday. Covered a ton of ground and was the only constant midfield presence for Aston Villa.

Next: Villa Player Grades at the Halfway Mark

LM Jordan Ayew 5

Completed 91% of his passes! But, offered little else.

CAM Jack Grealish 5.5

Tremendous in possession, but came off with a dead leg.

RM Leandro Bacuna 5.5

Very little incisiveness in the final third.

ST Jonathan Kodjia 6 & ClaretVillans Man of the Match

Two moments of great ability: The tying penalty and the first five minutes. The rest? bleh. Still gives the ball away far too much. Kodjia now has nine league goals on the season.